Ryan Fitzpatrick did not impress in the Houston Texans' first preseason game. The quarterback was signed to bring some stability to the offense after the trading of Matt Schaub. The Texans then drafted Tom Savage to develop for the future, confident Fitzpatrick could hold things down for a season or two. The first preseason gave little to support that example, leading some NFL analysts to question just how secure the Texans were at quarterback. Insert Brian Hoyer trade rumor here.
On Wednesday, ESPN's Ed Werder reported that the Cleveland Browns signed Rex Grossman as their third quarterback and then questioned just how invested the team was in Hoyer. After drafting Johnny Manziel, it seemed like only a matter of time before the rookie was named the starting quarterback despite being in a race with the veteran for the job. This rumor took off and eventually led to sources reporting the Houston Texans would be dealing franchise wide receiver Andre Johnson to the Browns in exchange for Hoyer who would take over the starting quarterback job.
Now, everyone is backtracking on the rumor and being quick to deny the truth to it. Houston Chronicle reporter John McClain was quick to tweet out that the Houston Texans had no interest in trading for Hoyer. The deal somewhat made sense given Hoyer's ties to head coach Bill O'Brien while the two worked together with the New England Patriots. But, O'Brien is stressing that Fitzpatrick is the starting quarterback for the Texans and will remain as such.
When reporters asked O'Brien if he was set at Fitzpatrick remaining the starting quarterback, he gave a stern, "yes" and moved on to the next topic. In the first preseason game, the veteran went 6-of-14 in passing for 55 yards and two interceptions as the Texans lost 32-0. Savage did not do much better, getting sacked twice. That was not exactly the results Houston wanted. However, while O'Brien might be saying Fitzpatrick is the team's starter, second-string quarterback Case Keenum is taking first-team reps. If there is a change under center it will likely come from within the depth chart and not in the form of a trade.
It is easy to see why the trade rumor took on so much speed. Grossman is a capable backup, so if Manziel is starting, it would make sense to shop Hoyer. The Browns are about to lose leading wide receiver Josh Gordon to suspension. They had previously been linked to a trade of Johnson and could show interest again. Johnson has been vocal about his displeasure regarding the Texans so why not move him? None of it is happening. Fitzpatrick and Hoyer are starters for their respective teams until noted otherwise.